Netanyahu Orders “Powerful Strikes” in Gaza After Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Violations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to carry out “immediate and powerful strikes” in Gaza on October 28, 2025.
The order followed Israeli claims that Hamas violated the U.S.-brokered ceasefire by attacking Israeli Defense Forces in Rafah and returning the wrong hostage remains.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the directive on X: “Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”

The Israeli military launched air and ground strikes in Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Rafah that evening.

Gaza’s Health Ministry said 104 Palestinians were killed, including roughly 46 children, making it the deadliest day since the ceasefire began on October 10.
Hospitals across Gaza were overwhelmed as rescue operations continued overnight.

Israel accused Hamas of faking the return of hostage remains by handing over remains previously recovered two years ago, calling it a “clear ceasefire violation.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “Hamas will pay heavily.”
Hamas denied violating the truce, claimed Israel attacked first, and called the strikes “criminal.”
Hamas also postponed a planned handover of another hostage body, citing the Israeli offensive.

President Donald Trump’s administration said Israel “has the right to hit back” and that “nothing jeopardizes the ceasefire.”

Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations urged restraint, warning that the truce could collapse.

By October 29, the Israeli military announced that the ceasefire had resumed but said it would “respond forcefully to future violations.”
Analysts describe the situation as highly unstable, with fears of renewed escalation as both sides trade blame for breaking the fragile pause in fighting.